Members of the Holbrook City Council have offered official support to a federal bill that would require at least two crewmembers on all freight trains.

Council members approved a letter of support during a meeting Tuesday evening, with Councilman Richard Peterson requesting that his name not be included on the letter. Peterson was not present, but had made his request known prior to the meeting.

“I hate to tell private enterprise what to do, but I understand that one person on a train could be a safety issue,” Councilman Myron Maxwell commented.

Mayor Jeff Hill agreed with Maxwell, noting, “I hate government regulation, but at some point there has to be. This is a matter of public safety.”

Councilman Phil Cobb pointed out that the government provides subsidies to railways and has a duty to ensure the safety of citizens.

“There are times when taxpayers give subsidies to corporations, and they have a responsibility to provide safety measures as applicable,” he said.

Railroad union representative Steve Thomas told the council that there is already a state law in Arizona that requires at least two crew members on freight trains, but the bill before the U.S. Congress would ensure that it becomes federal law as well.

In response to a question previously raised by council members, Thomas noted that he does not believe that BNSF has stated an official position on the issue.

Hill told the council that he believes technology will continue to eliminate railroad jobs, but he believes that regardless of advancements, safety must always remain a priority.

Council members agreed to sign the letter indicating their support for two-man crews and send it to sponsors of the bill, as well as congressmen and women representing Arizona in Washington, D.C.

In other action Sept. 9, the council held the first reading of an ordinance establishing a public right of way and utility easement for the construction of an alternate entrance to Navajo County’s new public works complex on Highway 77.

The next regular council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at city hall.